John Melko

Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of John Michael Melko at St. Peter’s Hospital, Hamilton, on March 2, 2026 at the age of 93.  His cherished wife of 68 years, Joan (nee Zywine) was, as always, by his side.   Dear father of Ginny (Hardy) Henry, Joanne (Michael) Chiarelli, Paul (Johanne) Melko, Dave (Jodi) Melko, and Mike (Stacey) Melko.  Loving Grandpa of Ben (Kayla) Wall, Kate (Greg) Virgo, Bethany (Eric) Shushereba, Laura (Mike) Heenan, Matthew Chiarelli, Julia (Jordan) O’Connell, Angela Hayward, Daniel (Joanna Spyridon), Fiona and Christopher Melko, Sidney and David (Camila Messina) Melko.  Proud Great Grandpa of Mayzie, Bria, and Logan Wall, Elsie Virgo, Alec and Silas Shushereba, Cecilia Heenan, Kian and Maeve O’Connell. Survived by several nieces and nephews.

Dear brother to the late Betty (late Gus) Oberski, and the late Andy (late Shirley) Melko, and brother-in-law to the late George (late Anne) Zywine.   John was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Mary Melko, and by his parents-in-law, Mike and Mary Zywine.

Retired from Stelco Frost Works at the age of 53, John and Joan enjoyed spending as much time as they could each year at their seasonal cottage in Haliburton, their happy place.  They loved attending family celebrations and spending time with their growing family.   For many years, John was a volunteer and board member of the Stelco Finishing Works Credit Union.  As the family storyteller, he loved to regale his family and friends with tales of his adventures, sports prowess, fishing and coaching of baseball and hockey at Eastwood Park.

The family extends its deepest gratitude to the caring team on E4 at the Juravinksi Hospital and the compassionate care received from the staff on W3 at St. Peter’s Hospital. Your kindness and thoughtful care for John are greatly appreciated by us all.

As per John’s wishes, a private gathering will take place.